Borno Flooding: NIPSS, Bruit Costaud Offer Free Training for SEMA Officials on Disaster Management

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

A policy think-tank, Bruit Costaud in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), has offered free training on risk reduction and disaster preparedness for staff of Borno State Emergency Management Agency following the recent flooding that submerged Maiduguri the state capital.

Managing Partner of Bruit Costaud and former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this when he, along with the Director General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, paid a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, in Maiduguri, to sympathize with the government and people of Borno State over the unfortunate flooding that caused massive destruction of lives and properties as well as the means of livelihood of the people.

“At a time like this, it is crucial that we come together, not only in the spirit of compassion but with practical solutions so we can avoid such disasters. We commend your administration and the dedicated team at the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for their efforts to provide relief to affected communities and for their continued work to restore normalcy.

“It is in light of these efforts that Bruit Costaud and NIPSS, are here to offer our support. We strongly believe that by equipping your institutions with the right knowledge and tools, the effects of such disasters can be reduced, recovery can be expedited, and most importantly, future occurrences can be better managed or avoided.

“Therefore, we are offering free training on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) to your State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and any other relevant state officials. This training will be comprehensive and tailored to address the specific challenges that Borno State faces in dealing with the current disaster, as well as building resilience for the future,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said other components of the training for the SEMA officials would include Effective Emergency Response, Recovery and Rehabilitation as well as Climate Adaptation and Resilience.

While expressing his sympathy to Governor Zulum over the disaster, the former Minister of Information and Culture noted that the flooding had caused immense hardship for the people, leaving lasting scars that will take time to heal.

“It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today. On behalf of Bruit Costaud and our partners, NIPSS, to express our deepest sympathy to you, your administration, and the people of Borno State for the unfortunate flooding disaster that has devastated several parts of this great state over the past several days.

“We are aware of the deep challenges this disaster has posed to your communities—the loss of lives, displacement of families, damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Natural disasters like this cause immeasurable hardship and leave scars that take time to heal. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this calamity,” he said

In his remarks, the Director General of NIPSS, Professor Omotayo, announced that experts would be sent to Maiduguri to provide free training for SEMA and other relevant officials. This initiative is intended to relieve the Borno State Government of the financial burden of sending officials to Kuru, Jos, or Abuja for training.

In his response, Governor Zulum expressed his admiration for Alhaji Lai Mohammed, noting that despite not holding any public office, he personally traveled to Maiduguri at his own expense to commiserate with the government and people of Borno State following the disaster.

The Governor accepted the offer of the free training for Borno State SEMA officials, which would enhance their capacity in disaster prevention, management and recovery.